Led Zeppelin is often considered one of the best bands to ever come out of the United Kingdom. Their ninth and most famous studio album, IV, is home to the now classic track, “When the Levee Breaks”.
Originally recorded in 1929 by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie, Led Zeppelin used the song as the anchor of their incredibly successful album. While modifying it to predominantly resemble their own style, the band kept the framework, of what is now referred to as a “Delta blues” song, and created a timeless classic. Now, the song is known to many, and is consistently re-imagined by other artists and live performances.
When the Levee Breaks was released in 1971 shortly after the album was made available on vinyl. While some new recording technology was used in the studio production to create an innovative sound, not all of the equipment used to make the song can be found on the market today.
However, despite that hurdle, Led Zeppelin managed to make a remarkably unique version of the acoustic song, and the track went on to be the most popular and renowned from IV. It is praised for its comprehensive sound, as it has an overlaying electric guitar element that grants the song an unexpected depth.
When the Levee Breaks has grown to become a staple concert performance and has had over 200 live covers of it recorded. Due to its popularity, its mp3 download is now highly sought after, and has become the most downloaded Led Zeppelin song to date.
For the casual listener, the mp3 is easily obtainable through the many streaming services available. For those with a more ingrained interest in the track, Led Zeppelin makes the official mp3 version of the song available for purchase on their website.
This monumental track has given Led Zeppelin the recognition it deserves, and is a powerful example of the many influential blues and rock songs to have come out of the states and U.K. over the last century.
Classic Delta Blues
The original version of “When the Levee Breaks” was a significant musical piece from a genre called Delta Blues. This style of music was first popularized in the late 1900’s and early 1910’s by African American musicians from the Mississippi Delta region. Though seldom recorded, many of the prominent musical influences from this era came from this region.
It is believed that this regional culture and its blend of folk and spiritual music would eventually evolve into R&B and Rock and Roll later on in the 20th century. Its influence is very apparent in the Led Zeppelin version of “When the Levee Breaks”, as they managed to successfully capture that raw and emotive sound that made Delta Blues so powerful.
Back in its heyday, Delta Blues was originally intended for just entertainment. As with most other folk music emerging from this part of the country, its main purpose was to create an atmosphere of joy and happiness within the community.
But it soon became a form of expression and protest. Musicians began to incorporate verbiage singing about the inequities of poverty, racism, and other societal issues that had plagued the Delta region for centuries.
These elements appealed to later generations of musicians, making it a popular genre among blues aficionados. For its influence within music, the Delta Blues will always remain one of the cornerstones of musical history.
Cover Versions and Reinterpretations
In the decades that followed the original release of “When The Levee Breaks”, many artists have gone on to record their own renditions of the classic. Country musicians like Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, and The Black Crows, have all developed their own distinct style from the song.
This track became a prominent part of the roots rock movement, which involved taking elements of everyone’s favorite musical genres and merging them to bring light to the many nuances that comes with music today. These many interpretations of the song offer fans a different perspective and point of view.
Additionally, many of these covers are used in television, cinema, and internet videos. This helps to introduce “When The Levee Breaks” to a new generation, and helps the track stay relevant in spite of passing decades.
Furthermore, the numerous live performance recordings of the classic track present an interesting comparison to the original. Being able to listen to different arrangements and styles of the same song is a great way to explore the track more deeply and gain a better understanding of it.
Instruments Used to Make the Song
Armed with their innovative recording techniques and state of the art instruments, Led Zeppelin created a unique and distinctive sound for “When The Levee Breaks”. The band made use of their selection of electric and acoustic guitars, as well as, other various instruments such as the synthesizer and mellotron.
It has been said that Led Zeppelin used a specific type of drum machine to create a unique sound for the track. This is a testament to the band’s dedication to experimentation and creating a special sound for their musical projects.
Through the combination of their diverse range of instruments and use of modern recording techniques, LedZeppelin have crafted what will be remembered as one of the best performances in classic rock history.
A Great Example of Musical Collaboration
The success of “When The Levee Breaks” can be attributed to the efforts of many. From its original performers to its modern interpretation by Led Zeppelin, this song has come a long way since its original recording.
This track exemplifies collaboration within music, its influence coming from both sides of Atlantic. It is truly a testament to the power of collaboration, and how one song can become the product of many different minds, talents, and eras.
The Popularity of Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin has been hailed as one of the best bands to come from England, and many of their tracks have had a fundamental shift in the way music was made from that point on. When The Levee Breaks was one of the biggest songs they ever released, and its success is as significant today as it was in 1971.
To this day, it stands as one of the greatest rock anthems, and it continues to be one of Led Zeppelin’s most requested songs. Perhaps most importantly, its legacy is far-reaching, and it’s influence has inspired artists all over the world.
The Reputation of “When the Levee Breaks”
Since its release, “When The Levee Breaks” has made a major impact in popular culture. Its presence can be seen and heard all over the world, from the hallowed halls of rock and nostalgia to the birthplaces of Delta Blues. Despite its many evolutions, this track will always be remembered as one of the greatest records to ever be made.
In addition, the mp3 version of the track is widely accessible, and its appeal has only increased with passing generations. Its immediate popularity and its emergence as one of the most important blues songs of all time, prove that this song is a classic.
